Headline: The Latest Letters from the Volga Colonies
Saratov, Russia, February 13, 1922
Mr. John W. Miller
Portland, Oregon
Dear Brother:
I was happy to receive your letter of 30 December. We now feed 35,000 souls on the Bergseite and from the 24th on it will increase to 40,000. Feeding of adults will begin as soon as food supplies can be brought here. The big question is getting the food here.
Concerning the people who are dissatisfied with the way the ARA (American Relief Administration - translator) is proceeding. I would like to say that it should be beaten into their heads what it actually means to make a sacrifice. To my way of understanding, it means to take a portion of what one intended for their own use and to give it to those who do not have anything. Giving only a little of what is left over is not a sacrifice; reach more deeply into the sack! It is the obligation of German-Americans to support the ARA for the following reasons:
1. Because they are Americans.
2. Because it was this society that has made it possible for them to help their friends.
3. Because the ARA distributes food as fast as the trains from Saratov can carry it.
On the opposing side, no German-American can come up with a reason not to support the ARA with our means and our prayers.
Just now there was a man here from Bangert, on the Wiesenseite, speaking to me. He is here with 20 wagons to pick up food in an amount approaching 600 Pud; that will help somewhat.
The Food Drafts are coming in quickly. Oregon, Colorado, Nebraska and California are doing very well in this regard.
Good People of the United States, keep up the good work because each Food Draft saves a human life.
We hope that transportation will soon be better and then you will see and hear how we feed the hungry. Pastor Wagner from Lincoln, Nebraska, arrived here some days ago. I am certain that he is well satisfied with me and I am happy that he is here.--- I will send a report by separate envelope about the work on the Wiesenseite.
Your devoted,
Georg Repp
Portland, Oregon
Dear Brother:
I was happy to receive your letter of 30 December. We now feed 35,000 souls on the Bergseite and from the 24th on it will increase to 40,000. Feeding of adults will begin as soon as food supplies can be brought here. The big question is getting the food here.
Concerning the people who are dissatisfied with the way the ARA (American Relief Administration - translator) is proceeding. I would like to say that it should be beaten into their heads what it actually means to make a sacrifice. To my way of understanding, it means to take a portion of what one intended for their own use and to give it to those who do not have anything. Giving only a little of what is left over is not a sacrifice; reach more deeply into the sack! It is the obligation of German-Americans to support the ARA for the following reasons:
1. Because they are Americans.
2. Because it was this society that has made it possible for them to help their friends.
3. Because the ARA distributes food as fast as the trains from Saratov can carry it.
On the opposing side, no German-American can come up with a reason not to support the ARA with our means and our prayers.
Just now there was a man here from Bangert, on the Wiesenseite, speaking to me. He is here with 20 wagons to pick up food in an amount approaching 600 Pud; that will help somewhat.
The Food Drafts are coming in quickly. Oregon, Colorado, Nebraska and California are doing very well in this regard.
Good People of the United States, keep up the good work because each Food Draft saves a human life.
We hope that transportation will soon be better and then you will see and hear how we feed the hungry. Pastor Wagner from Lincoln, Nebraska, arrived here some days ago. I am certain that he is well satisfied with me and I am happy that he is here.--- I will send a report by separate envelope about the work on the Wiesenseite.
Your devoted,
Georg Repp
Sources
Die Welt-Post, 6 April 1922, page 2.
This translation provided courtesy of Hugh Lichtenwald.
This translation provided courtesy of Hugh Lichtenwald.
Last updated March 6, 2016.